Fighting Words

Fighting Words

Juvenile fiction
"Anyway, Mama and whoever were in the bathroom, cooking meth,
and Suki and I were sitting on the far bed away from the bathroom
door, on this ugly weird slippery orange bedspread, watching
cartoons. Mickey Mouse. Suddenly Mama yelled something and ran out
of the bathroom, and so did the other person, and then the whole
bathroom blew up. Flames shot out right around Mama, like in the
movies, but she didn't catch fire."
This very colorful early memory is the only one Della,
protagonist of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's Fighting Words, has of her
mother who is doing serious time in prison. But even before her
arrest Mommy Dearest, a meth addict herself, hadn't been a fit
parent. Big sister Suki had been the one to parent and protect Della
while they lived with a mom focussed on where to get her next fix and,
after her arrest, her far from suitable boyfriend, Clifton. She was
the one who intervened when Clifton tried to molest Della. Now that
they're in foster care she's working an after school job, trying to
save up enough money to become her little sister's guardian.
But there are signs that Suki needs help herself. Maybe she's
had to grow up too fast. Maybe Della wasn't Clifton's only victim.
Bradley herself was sexually abused as a child. It was a long
time before she was able to talk about this very painful aspect of her
life.
"Eventually I found my words. I wrote this book hoping it would
help readers find theirs."
Fighting Words is a must acquire for school and public libraries.
On a purrrsonal note, we're doing great on the backpacks. In fact
we're filling 25--3 extras in case anyone has been overlooked of new
kids move into the trailer park. My church came through big time.
Eugene did more shopping. He's been getting supplies all summer.
(One of the many reasons I'm still madly in love with him after
decades of marriage). Later I'll be doing the last minute shopping
and spending quality time with Emily. Tomorrow is DDay. (Jules)
The house is one big production line. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to our church, Eugene, and Emily.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway


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